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THE WRITE STUFF
Writing & Grammar Blog
 
DIANE HUGHES • NASHVILLE, TN
WRITER, EDITOR, CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL

Let it rain ... or rein or reign

2/22/2014

2 Comments

 
rein or reign
Homophones. Those pesky little words that sound the same but are spelled differently and mean different things.

Homophones include words like rein and reign (and rain). While too, to and two are easily distinguished, other words seem to be more difficult. I read a recent blog post on a reputable and well-known site where the writer suggested that in order to live better, we sometimes need to "let go of the reigns." 

That should be: "Let go of the reins."

Reins are the literal means by which we control a horse ... or the figurative means by which we attempt to control our lives. 


Reign is what a king does. 


As a memory aid, just remember that king and reign both have a g. Doesn't that make it easy?

As for rain. Well, I think we're good on that one. Right?

While you're here, you might want to check out other homophones we've covered on the blog. 

Did you find this tip helpful? Do you have a memory aid for remembering the difference between reign and rein? Your comments are always welcome. If you have a writing or grammar question, please submit it through the link in the sidebar.
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    DIANE HUGHES

    I blog about grammar, style, punctuation & more

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